Position indication device, and information storage medium

ABSTRACT

The objective is to prevent erroneous operation of an optical sensor while removing restrictions on the degree of freedom of design. In a handgun-shaped controller comprising a lens for focusing light that is incident on a muzzle and an optical sensor  18  for detecting the thus-focused light, a light-proof case  50  is provided to cover the lens and optical sensor in such a manner that external light other that from a muzzle is not incident thereon. The light-proof case covers the entire surface of the optical sensor and the portion of the board on which the optical sensor is mounted. Cut-out portions  54 A and  54 B for through-holes for signal terminals  19  are provided in a connection portion between parts  50 A and  50 B that form the light-proof case. A protuberant portion is provided on the connection portion of one part  50 A and a fit portion thereof is provided in the connection of another part  50 B. A protuberant portion is provided so as to deform when a board  70  is pressed into slits  52 A and  52 B, sealing the gaps between the slits and the board. The configuration could be such that the entirety of the board is covered by the light-proof case and the optical sensor is attached directly within the light-proof case.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a position indication device forindicating a position within a screen of a display device, and to aninformation storage medium.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Game systems have been developed and implemented in the art, toenable a player to use a position indication device such as ahandgun-shaped controller to shoot at a target object. In such a gamesystem, a player 302 holds a handgun-shaped controller 300, aims at atarget object displayed on a screen 312 of a display device 310, andpulls a trigger 304. When that happens, a position 314 indicated by thehandgun-shaped controller 300 is detected optically by using means suchas an optical sensor within the handgun-shaped controller 300. If theindicated position 314 of the handgun-shaped controller 300 matches theposition of the target object that is displayed on the screen 312, a hitis determined; if is does not match, a miss is determined. Prior-arttechniques for implementing such a handgun-shaped controller and gamesystem are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.10-118338, by way of example.

[0003] The intensity of light output from a display device such as atelevision is extremely low, on the order of 300 lux. For that reason,an extremely sensitive optical sensor is used within the handgun-shapedcontroller 300.

[0004] The intensity of external light (environmental light) in the realworld, however, is extremely strong and can be on the order or ten totwenty thousand lux outdoors, by way of example. Therefore, if the gamesystem of FIG. 1 is taken outside with the objective of entertaining ahome party or the like, the optical sensor within the handgun-shapedcontroller 300 is likely to react to the external light, not the lightfrom the display device 312, which will raise the problem of erroneousoperation.

[0005] One method that could be considered for solving such a problem isto form the casing (indicator body) of the handgun-shaped controller 300of a material that is highly light-proof. Use of such a method ensuresthat external light is excluded by the casing made of the highlylight-proof material, making it possible to solve the problem of theoptical sensor reacting to external light.

[0006] If this method is used, however, the material of the casing ofthe handgun-shaped controller 300 is limited to materials that arehighly light-proof, which restricts the color of the casing. It istherefore difficult to use organic colorants or the like, and it is thussubstantially impossible toutilizeany of the “skeleton” (translucent)colors and pastel colors that are currently fashionable, as the color ofthe casing. This restricts the degree of freedom of design of thehandgun-shaped controller, with the result that the product value of thehandgun-shaped controller is reduced.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a position indication device forindicating a position within a screen of a display device, the positionindication device comprising: an indicator body that indicates aposition within a screen of a display device; a lens that is provided inthe indicator body and focuses light that is incident from a positionindicated by the indicator body through a light-incident aperture of theindicator body; an optical sensor that is provided in the indicator bodyand detects light focused by the lens; and a light-proof member that isprovided in the indicator body and covers the lens and the opticalsensor in such a manner that external light other than light from thelight-incident aperture is not incident on the lens and the opticalsensor.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a computer-usableinformation storage medium used in a game system that comprises: theabove-described position indication device; game processing means thatreceives information from the position indication device and performsgame processing based on the detected indicated position; and imagegeneration means that generates a game image in accordance with the gameprocessing performed by the game processing means, wherein theinformation storage medium comprises a program for implementing theabove means on a computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is illustrative of a game system using a handgun-shapedcontroller;

[0010]FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of a game systemusing a handgun-shaped controller in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0011]FIG. 3 shows an example of a game image generated by the gamesystem of FIG. 2.

[0012]FIG. 4 is illustrative of a method of covering the optical sensorand lens with a light-proof case;

[0013]FIG. 5 is illustrative of a comparative example for embodiments ofthe present invention;

[0014]FIG. 6 is illustrative of a method of using a light-proof case tocover part of a board on which the optical sensor is mounted;

[0015]FIG. 7 is illustrative of a method that simplifies the assembly ofthe handgun-shaped controller;

[0016]FIG. 8 shows an example of the front view, side views, and planview of one part that forms the light-proof case;

[0017]FIG. 9 shows an example of the front view, side views, and planview of another part that forms the light-proof case;

[0018] FIGSs. 10A and 10B are illustrative of a method of improving thelight-proofing of the connection portion between the parts of thelight-proof case;

[0019]FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are illustrative of a method ofshielding external light from gaps between the board and slits;

[0020]FIGS. 12A and 12B are illustrative of a method of covering theentire board on which the optical sensor is mounted with the light-proofcase; and

[0021]FIG. 13 is illustrative of a method of attaching the opticalsensor directly to the light-proof case.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0022] There are embodiments of the present invention devised in thelight of the above described technical problem. These embodiments mayprovide a position indication device and an information storage mediumthat make it possible to prevent erroneous operation of the opticalsensor, while removing restrictions on the degree of freedom of design.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described below.

[0024] Note that the embodiments described below do not in any way limitthe scope of the present invention defined by the claims laid outherein. Similarly, all the elements of the embodiments below should notbe taken as essential requirements defined by the claims herein.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a position indication device for indicating a position within ascreen of a display device, the position indication device comprising:an indicator body that indicates a position within a screen of a displaydevice; a lens that is provided in the indicator body and focuses lightthat is incident from a position indicated by the indicator body througha light-incident aperture of the indicator body; an optical sensor thatis provided in the indicator body and detects light focused by the lens;and a light-proof member that is provided in the indicator body andcovers the lens and the optical sensor in such a manner that externallight other than light from the light-incident aperture is not incidenton the lens and the optical sensor.

[0026] This embodiment ensures that light from the indicated positionwithin the screen of the display device is focused by the lens and isdetected by the optical sensor. It is possible to derive the positionindicated by the indicator body by using an optical detection signalfrom the optical sensor.

[0027] With this embodiment of the invention, the lens and opticalsensor are covered by the light-proof member in such a manner thatexternal light other than that from the light-incident aperture is notincident on the lens and optical sensor. This makes it possible toprevent erroneous operation of the optical sensor caused by the opticalsensor reacting to external light, thus preventing errors in thedetection of the indicated position.

[0028] The light-proof member may cover the optical sensor in such amanner as to prevent the incidence of external light to all surfaces ofthe optical sensor, including a surface on which a signal terminal ofthe optical sensor is provided. This makes it possible to prevent theproblem of erroneous operation of the optical sensor due to theincidence of external light such as that from the surface on the signalterminal side of the optical sensor.

[0029] The light-proof member may cover at least a board portion onwhich the optical sensor is mounted, of a board for mounting the opticalsensor. This makes it possible to prevent the problem of external lightpassing through the board on which the optical sensor is mounted andbeing incident on the optical sensor.

[0030] The light-proof member may be configured of an assembly of aplurality of parts; and a cut-out portion may be provided in aconnection portion between parts of the light-proof member, in order toform a through-hole for a signal terminal of the optical sensor. Thismakes it possible to connect together the parts with the optical sensoralready mounted on the board, to cover the optical sensor with thelight-proof member, thus simplifying the assembly.

[0031] The light-proof member may be configured of an assembly of aplurality of parts; and a protuberant portion may be provided in aconnection portion of a first part of the plurality of parts, and also afit portion that fits with the protuberant portion may be provided in aconnection portion of a second part of the plurality of parts. Thismakes it possible to prevent the incidence of external light throughgaps in the connection portions between the parts, thus increasing thelight-proofing of the light-proof member.

[0032] The light-proof member may cover a board portion on which theoptical sensor is mounted, of a board for mounting the optical sensor;and a second light-proof member may be provided to prevent the incidenceof the external light from a gap between the board and a slit providedin the light-proof member for the insertion of the board. This makes itpossible to cover part of the board with the light-proof member, byinserting the board on which the optical sensor is mounted in a slit,and also enables effective light-proofing by the second light-proofmember with respect to external light from gaps between the board andthe slit.

[0033] The light-proof member may be configured of an assembly of aplurality of parts; and the second light-proof member may be aprotuberant portion that is deformed by the insertion of the board intothe slit provided in each part of the lightproof member and may seal thegap between the slit and the board. This enables effectivelight-proofing with respect to external light from the gap between theboard and the slit, with a simple assembly step of merely pressing theboard into the slit, and also makes it possible to increase the accuracywith which the parts are assembled.

[0034] The light-proof member may cover the entirety of a board on whichthe optical sensor is mounted; and a second lightproof member may beprovided to prevent the incidence of external light from a gap between alead wire from the board and a lead hole provided in the light-proofmember for the extraction of the lead wire. This makes it possible tocover the entire optical sensor with the light-proof member, withoutproviding a slit for the insertion of the board in the light-proofmember.

[0035] The optical sensor may be installed directly within thelight-proof member; and a second light-proof member may be provided toprevent the incidence of external light from a gap between a lead wirefrom a signal terminal of the optical sensor and a lead hole provided inthe light-proof member for the extraction of the lead wire. This makesit possible to cover the entire optical sensor with the light-proofmember, without providing a board for the mounting of the opticalsensor.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a computer-usable information storage medium used in a gamesystem that comprises: the above-described position indication device;game processing means that receives information from the positionindication device and performs game processing based on the detectedindicated position; and image generation means that generates a gameimage in accordance with the game processing performed by the gameprocessing means, wherein the information storage medium comprises aprogram for implementing the above means on a computer. According to oneembodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer-usableprogram (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), comprising aprocessing routine for implementing the above-described means on acomputer.

[0037] Since this embodiment makes it possible to efficiently preventerroneous operation of the optical sensor installed within the positionindication device, even if there is strong external light around thegame system, thus preventing errors such as the occurrence of erroneousdetection of the indicated position or mistaken determination of whetheror not a shot has hit a target object. It is therefore possible toprovide a comfortable game environment for the player, increasing themarketability of the game system, information storage medium, andprogram.

[0038] These embodiments are described below with reference to theaccompanying figures.

[0039] 1. Overall Configuration of Game System

[0040] An example of the configuration of a game system (imagegeneration system) that uses the handgun-shaped controller (broadlyspeaking: a position indication device) according to one embodiment ofthe present invention is shown in FIG. 2.

[0041] A main unit 100 (such as a domestic game system) comprises aprocessing section 110, an image generation section 120, and a soundgeneration section 130.

[0042] In this case, the processing section 110 (processor) performsprocessing such as restrict of the entire device and game processing,based on programs and data stored in an information storage medium 180and communications information to and from a handgun-shaped controller10. The functions of this processing section 110 could be implemented byhardware such as various different processors (such as a CPU or DSP) oran ASIC (gate array), or by a given program (game program).

[0043] The processing performed by the processing section 110 in thiscase includes: processing for setting various modes, processing formoving the game forward, processing for setting selection screens,processing for obtaining the position and rotational angle (about the X,Y, or Z axis) of an object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces),processing for causing an object to move (motion processing), processingfor obtaining the position of a viewpoint (position of a virtual camera)and the angle-of-view thereof (rotational angle of the virtual camera),processing for disposing objects such as map objects in an object space,hit-check processing, processing for calculating game results (resultsand score), processing for enabling a plurality of players to play in acommon game space, and game-over processing.

[0044] The image generation section 120 performs various types of imageprocessing in accordance with directions from the processing section110, and generates game images (image signals) on a screen of a displaydevice 140 (television receiver). The sound generation section 130generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, andvoices in accordance with directions from the processing section 110,for output to a sound output device 132 (speaker). The functions of theimage generation section 120 and the sound generation section 130 couldbe implemented by hardware such as various different processors orimage-creation and sound-creation ASICs, or by a given program.

[0045] The information storage medium 180 (a storage medium that can beused by a computer) is designed to store information such as programsand data, and its functions could be implemented by hardware such as anoptical disk (CD or DVD), a magnetooptical (MO) disk, a magnetic disk, ahard disk, magnetic tape, or ROM. The processing section 110 performsthe various types of processing in accordance with the present invention(embodiments of the invention), based on the information stored in thisinformation storage medium 180. In other words, the information storagemedium 180 contains information (program or data) for implementing themeans of the present invention (embodiments of the invention).

[0046] Note that the program or data for implementing the means of thepresent invention (embodiments of the invention) could be transferred tothe information storage medium 180 through a network from an informationstorage medium of a host device (server). The use of such an informationstorage medium at a host device (server) is also comprised within thescope of the present invention.

[0047] The handgun-shaped controller 10 comprises an indicator body 12(casing) formed in the shape of a handgun, a trigger 14 provided inagripportion of the indicator body 12, an optical circuit formed of a lens 16and an optical sensor 18 in the interior close to a muzzle 15(light-incident aperture) of the indicator body 12, a light-proof case50 that covers the lens 16 and the optical sensor 18 in such a mannerthat external light other than light from the muzzle 15 is not incidentthereon, a processing section 20 that controls the entire handgun-shapedcontroller and performs calculations such as those to determine theindicated position, and a communications section 49 that functions as aninterface with the main unit 100.

[0048] Note that the functions of the processing section 20 and thecommunications section 49 could be implemented by hardware such as anASIC, or by a combinations of various processors and software.

[0049] The description now turns to an outline of the operation of thegame system of FIG. 2.

[0050] First of all, the image generation section 120 of the main unit100 generates an image signal and the CRT of the display device 140 isenergized by the thus-generated image signal. This causes an object suchas a target object 500 (an enemy character) to appear on the screen ofthe display device 140.

[0051] If the player than points the muzzle 15 of the handgun-shapedcontroller 10 towards the display device 140 to aim at the target object500 on the screen, and pulls the trigger 14, the screen flashes for justone frame. If the raster scan of the display device 140 passes through adetection area 142 that has been set in the vicinity of the positionindicated by the handgun-shaped controller 10, the scanning beam at thatpoint is focused by the lens 16 into the optical sensor 18. This causesthe optical sensor 18 to output an optical detection signal.

[0052] When this happens, a position calculation section 30 of theprocessing section 20 that has received the optical detection signalcalculates the position (X and Y coordinates) indicatedby thehandgun-shaped controller 10. During this time, the position calculationsection 30 uses the synchronization signal comprised within the imagesignal from the main unit 100 to calculate the position indicated by thehandgun-shaped controller 10.

[0053] Information on the thus-calculated indicated position is sent tothe main unit 100. The processing section 110 of the main unit 100performs a hit-check with the target object 500 shown on the screen,based on this indicated position information. In other words, if theindicated position matches the position of the target object 500, it isdetermined that a virtual shot has hit the target object; if they do notmatch, it is determined to be a miss.

[0054] 2. Characteristics of These Embodiments

[0055] 2.1 Light-proof Case

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, the lens 16 focuses light that is incidentfrom an indicated position 150 within a screen 144, through the muzzle15 (light-incident aperture). The optical sensor 18 detects thethus-focused light and outputs an optical detection signal to theprocessing section 20 in a later stage (see FIG. 2). Thus the position(x and Y coordinates) within the screen 144 of the indicated position150 are detected.

[0057] With this embodiment, the lens 16 and the optical sensor 18 arecovered by the light-proof case 50 (broadly speaking: a light-proofmember) in such a manner that external light EL other than the lightfrom the muzzle 15 is not incident on the lens 16 and the optical sensor18. This makes it possible to prevent the problem of erroneous operationdue to the optical sensor 18 reacting to the external light EL.

[0058] In other words, the intensity of light from the indicatedposition 150 of the screen 144 is on the order of 300 lux, which isextremely low.

[0059] In contrast thereto, the intensity of external light EL in thereal world is extremely strong and can be on the order or ten to twentythousand lux outdoors, by way of example.

[0060] If the light-proof case 50 shown in FIG. 4 is not provided,therefore, a problem will arise in that the optical sensor 18 will reactto the external light EL instead of the light (scanning beam) from theindicated position 150, leading to erroneous operation and operatingfaults.

[0061] In such a case, if a method is used of forming the indicator body12 (casing) of the handgun-shaped controller of a material that ishighly light-proof, for example, the problem of erroneous operation ofthe optical sensor 18 due to external light EL can be solved to acertain degree.

[0062] However, the use of such a method means that only a limitedselection of materials can be used for the indicator body 12. The degreeof freedom of design of the handgun-shaped controller is thereforerestricted.

[0063] To make the color of the indicator body 12 a pastel color thatimparts a gentle neutral image, for example, it is necessary to arrangeto use an organic colorant that is not very light-proof, for the plasticthat forms the indicator body 12. If, however, a large proportion oforganic colorant that is not very light-proof is used in this manner,the light-proofing capabilities of the indicator body 12 will be low andthus part of the external light EL will pass through the indicator body12. The optical sensor 18, which is highly sensitive to react to theweak light from the indicated position 150, will therefore tend to reactto the external light EL that has passed through the indicator body 12,raising the problem of erroneous operation. For that reason, it isdifficult to use a pastel color as the color of the indicator body 12,and it is inevitable that a large ratio of highly light-proof inorganiccolorant must be used.

[0064] If the color of the indicator body 12 is to be one of thecurrently fashionable “skeleton” (translucent) colors, substantially allof the external light EL will pass through the indicator body 12, makingit impossible to expect the handgun-shaped controller to operatenormally. It is therefore not possible to add a “skeleton” type ofhandgun-shaped controller to the product line-up, with the result thatthe product value of the handgun-shaped controller is reduced.

[0065] In contrast thereto, embodiments of the invention ensure that thelens 16 and the optical sensor 18 are completely covered by thelight-proof case 50, which is of a black pipe shape made of a materialsuch as plastic with a large proportion of extremely light-proof carbon(ASB). External light EL is thereby prevented from being incident on thelens 16 and the optical sensor 18, making it possible to solve theproblem of erroneous operation of the optical sensor 18.

[0066] If the color of the indicator body 12 is made a pastel color or“skeleton” color, by way of example, the lens 16 and the optical sensor18 are still covered by the light-proof case 50 so that the opticalsensor 18 does not react to any external light EL, even if a largeamount of external light EL does pass through the indicator body 12. Itis therefore possible to use a highly design-worthy pastel color or afashionable “skeleton” color for the color of the indicator body 12,enabling a huge increase in the product value of the handgun-shapedcontroller.

[0067] 2.2 Light-proof for Board

[0068] There is provided a comparative example in which a light-proofcase 400 is provided in such a manner that it covers only the portionabove the optical sensor 18 mounted on a board 70 (printed circuitboard), as shown in FIG. 5.

[0069] The light-proof case 400 of the comparative example of FIG. 5does not cover the lens 16. The external light EL that passes through alight-incident aperture 402 that passes light from the lens 16 is alsoincident on the interior of the light-proof case 400, causing erroneousoperation of the optical sensor 18.

[0070] In the comparative example of FIG. 5, the light-proof case 400does not cover the surface on a signal terminal 19 side of the opticalsensor 18. In addition, the board 70 on which the optical sensor 18 ismounted is formed of a resin that is not particularly light-proof, suchas paper epoxy or paper phenol. With the configuration of thiscomparative example, external light EL that comes from the rear surfaceof the board 70 will pass through the board 70 and be incident on theoptical sensor 18, causing erroneous operation of the optical sensor 18.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, however, the opticalsensor 18 is covered by the light-proof case 50 in such a manner thatall surfaces of the optical sensor 18, including the surface on whichthe signal terminals 19 are provided, are protected from the incidenceof external light EL.

[0072] This makes it possible to implement a configuration in which theportion board portion on which the optical sensor 18 is mounted (denotedby El), of the entire board supporting the optical sensor 18, is coveredby the light-proof case 50, as shown in detail in FIG. 6, by way ofexample.

[0073] In other words, various other devices for implementing thefunctions of the processing section 20 of FIG. 2, such as an IC 72, aremounted on the board 70 in addition to the optical sensor 18. The partof the board 70 on which the optical sensor 18 is mounted is covered bythe pipe-shaped light-proof case 50, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0074] This makes it possible to ensure that the board portion on whichthe optical sensor 18 is mounted is light-proofed by the light-proofcase 50 so that external light EL is not incident thereon. It istherefore possible to efficiently prevent the problem that arises withthe comparative example of FIG. 5 in that external light EL that haspassed through the board 70 is incident on the signal terminal 19 sideof the optical sensor 18.

[0075] It is sufficient that the light-proof case 50 covers only thelocal portion on which the optical sensor 18 is mounted, not the entireboard 70. It is therefore possible to make the light-proof case 50smaller and also simplify the structure of the light-proof case 50,thereby reducing the cost of the handgun-shaped controller.

[0076] The light-proof case 50 covers not only the optical sensor 18 butalso the lens 16. It is therefore possible to prevent the problem thatoccurs with the comparative example of FIG. 5, in that external light ELpasses through the light-incident aperture 402 and is incident on theinterior of the light-proof case 400.

[0077] 2.3 Simplification of Assembly Process

[0078] As described above, it is effective to provide the light-proofcase 50 to prevent erroneous operation of the optical sensor 18.However, if the resultant number of steps in the assembly of thehandgun-shaped controller increases and the number of components of thehandgun-shaped controller also increases, the cost of the handgun-shapedcontroller will increase. An important technical concern is thereforehow to enable the construction of the handgun-shaped controller with areduced number of assembly steps and number of components. For thatreason, the method discussed below is used for the embodiments of theinvention.

[0079] In other words, the light-proof case 50 is formed from anassembly of a plurality of parts 50A and 50B that are connected together(the assembly could also comprise three or more parts), as shown in FIG.7.

[0080] During the assembly of the light-proof case 50, one side of theboard 70 on which the optical sensor 18 is mounted is inserted (pressed)into a slit 52A provided in the part 50A.

[0081] The parts 50A and 50B are then connected together, with the otherside of the board 70 being inserted (pressed) into a slit 52B formed inthe part 50B.

[0082] This makes it possible for the light-proof case 50 configured ofthe parts 50A and 50B to cover the board 70, with the optical sensor 18already mounted on the board 70. It is therefore possible to simplifythe process of assembling the handgun-shaped controller, minimizing thenumber of additional assembly steps created by the provision of thelight-proof case 50.

[0083] A different method from that of FIG. 7 could be considered, inwhich the optical sensor 18 is mounted on the board 70 after the board70 has been covered by the light-proof case 50. However, such a methodwould raise a problem in that the task of mounting the optical sensor 18on the board 70 is complex and the workability of this assembly is low.In one embodiment of the invention, the parts 50A and 50B are connectedtogether with the optical sensor 18 already mounted on the board 70, sothat the optical sensor 18 is covered by the light-proof case 50,enabling efficient prevention of problems such as that described above.

[0084] Note that F1 in FIG. 8 denotes a front view of the part 50A, F2and F3 denote side views thereof, and F4 denotes a plan view. Similarly,G1 in FIG. 9 denotes a front view of the part 50A, G2 and G3 denote sideviews thereof, and G4 denotes a plan view. The cross-hatched portions ofFIGS. 8 and 9 denote the connection surfaces of the parts 50A and 50B.The broken lines denote the inner walls of the light-proof case 50 (theparts 50A and 50B).

[0085] In one embodiment of the invention, cut-out portions 54A and 54Bare provided in the connection portions of the parts 50A and 50B(alternatively, cut-out portions could be provided on only one part), asshown in FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0086] These cut-out portions 54A and 54B are designed to formthrough-holes for the signal terminals 19 of the optical sensor 18 whenthe parts 50A and 50B are connected together. The provision of thecut-out portions 54A and 54B in this manner ensures that it is possibleto further simplify the process of covering the board 70 with thelight-proof case 50 with the optical sensor 18 already mounted on theboard 70.

[0087] In addition, when the parts 50A and 50B are connected together,light-proof inner walls 56A and 56B are interposed between the opticalsensor 18 and the board 70, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. This double-walledstructure of the light-proof inner walls 56A and 56B and light-proofouter walls 58A and 58B makes it possible to prevent the incidence ofexternal light on the optical sensor 18 through the cut-out portions 54Aand 54B. It is therefore possible to ensure that the light-proofing ofthe light-proof case 50 is even more secure.

[0088] 2.4 Light-proofing for connection portion

[0089] In one embodiment of the invention, a protuberant portion(projection) is provided in the connection portions (the light-proofouter wall 58) of the part 50A of the light-proof case 50 and a fitportion (recess, depression) corresponding to that protuberant portionis provided in the connection portions of the other part 50B, as shownin FIG. 7. These make it possible to greatly increase the light-proofingof the connection portions of the parts 50A and 50B.

[0090] If the parts 50A and 50B are simply connected together withoutany contrivance, as shown by way of example in FIG. 10A, there is aproblem that external light EL will pass through gaps in the connectionportions of the parts 50A and 50B and become incident on the interior ofthe light-proof case 50.

[0091] In contrast thereto, this embodiment is designed in such a mannerthat the protuberant portion of the part 50A and the fit (engagement)portion of the part 50B overlap each other, as seen from the viewpointof the external light EL. In other words, connection surfaces 60A and60B are provided on the connection portions of the parts 50A and 50B,extending in a direction that intersects the perpendicular to the outersurfaces of the connection portions. This ensures that external light ELthat is incident through any gap in the connection portions of the parts50A and 50B is shielded by the connection surfaces 60A and 60B that areformed of black plastic, enabling effective prevention of a state inwhich the external light EL is incident on the interior of thelight-proof case 50.

[0092] The provision of protuberant portion and corresponding fitportion on the connection portions of the parts 50A and 50B makes itpossible to improve the workability of the process of assembling theconnections between the parts 50A and 50B, thus improving the accuracywith which the light-proof case 50 is assembled.

[0093] Note that the shapes of the connection portions of the parts 50Aand 50B are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 7 and 10B. For example,the protuberant portion of the part 50A could have a tapered shape, andit is also possible to provide a plurality of these protuberantportions.

[0094] 2.5 Light-proofing of gaps between board and slits

[0095] In the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, the board70 is inserted into the slits 52A and 52B of the parts 50A and 50Bduring the assembly process. There is therefore a problem that externallight will intrude from the gaps between the board 70 and the slits 52Aand 52B.

[0096] Therefore, a light-proof member is further provided to shield anyexternal light that is incident from the gaps between the board 70 andthe slits 52A and 52B.

[0097] More specifically, protuberant portions 62A, 64A, and 65A (or62B, 64B, and 65B) of a triangular section are provided in the slit 52A(or 52B) that is provided in the part 50A (or 50B), with the thicknessof the slit 52A (or 52B) being thinner than that of the board 70, asshown in FIG. 11A.

[0098] The protuberant portions 62A, 64A, and 65A (or 62B, 64B, and 65B)are deformed by pressing the board 70 into this slit 52A (or 52B), asshown in FIGSs. 11B, 11C, and 11D.

[0099] Note that FIGS. 11B and 11C show the board 70 and the protuberantportion 62A (62B) as viewed from the direction Hi in FIG. 11A, and FIG.11D shows the board 70 and the protuberant portions 64A and 65A (64B and65B) as viewed from the direction 2 in FIG. 11A.

[0100] This configuration makes it possible to efficiently prevent anyincidence of external light EL from the gaps between the board and theslits, as is clear from FIGS. 11C and 11D. As a result, thelight-proofing of the light-proof case 50 can be further completed. INaddition, the workability of the process of inserting the board into theslits can be increased and also the accuracy with which the light-proofcase 50 is assembled can be increased because of the increased sealbetween the board and the slits.

[0101] Note that various methods other that described with reference toFIGS. 11A to 11D could be used as the method of preventing externallight entering from the gaps between the board and the slits. Forexample, a sealing member (such as rubber packing) could be embedded inthe gaps between the board and the slits, or the slits could be adheredtogether by a light-proof adhesive (such as a black adhesive)

[0102] 2.6 Other Variants

[0103] Part of the board is covered with the light-proof case in FIG. 7,but the configuration could also be such that the entire board iscovered by the light-proof case.

[0104] More specifically, the board is divided into a board 70A on whichthe optical sensor 18 is mounted and a board 70B on which other devicessuch as the IC 72 are mounted, as shown in FIG. 12A. The entire board70A is covered by the light-proof case 50. A lead hole 68 for extractinglead wires 80 from the board 70A (lead wires that transfer signals fromthe signal terminals 19 of the optical sensor 18) is provided in thelight-proof case 50.

[0105] Note that if the light-proof case 50 is formed of a plurality ofparts 50A and 50B in this case, as shown in FIG. 12B, it is possible forthe optical sensor 18 to be covered by the light-proof case 50 in astate in which the optical sensor 18 has already been mounted on theboard 70A. This configuration makes it possible to simplify the processof assembling the light-proof case 50, thus reducing the cost of thehandgunshaped controller.

[0106] If the entirety of the board 70A on which the optical sensor 18is mounted is covered as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, it is preferable toprovide a light-proof member for shielding any external light that isincident from the lead hole 68 provided in the light-proof case 50 (alead hole formed of cut-out portions 69A and 69B in FIG. 12B).

[0107] More specifically, each of light-proof inner walls 66 and 67 isformed of a material that is highly light-proof, in such a manner as toprotrude towards opposite walls, as shown in FIG. 12A. External lightthat passes through the lead hole 68 is prevented from being incident onthe optical sensor 18 and the lens 16 by disposing the light-proof innerwalls 66 and 67 in such a manner as to overlap as seen from thedirection of the lead hole 68.

[0108] Note that it is preferable to embed a sealing member such asrubber packing in the gaps between the lead hole 68 and the lead wires80, in order to further increase the light-proofing of the light-proofcase 50.

[0109] If the method of FIG. 12A is used, it is possible to completelycover the optical sensor 18 and the lens 16 with the light-proof case50. However, from the point of view of the number of assembly steps andthe number of components, the method of FIG. 7 is more advantageous thanthat of FIG. 12. This is because the method of FIG. 12A necessitates theaddition of a step of soldering at the points indicated by 11 and 12,and it is also necessary to have two boards and provide the lead wires80. In contrast thereto, the method of FIG. 7 does not necessitate asoldering step, the number of boards need not be more than one, and thelead wires 80 are also unnecessary, enabling reductions in the cost ofthe handgun-shaped controller.

[0110] The method shown in FIG. 13 could also be used as a method ofcovering the optical sensor 18 and the lens 16 completely with thelight-proof case 50. In other words, the optical sensor 18 is attacheddirectly to the light-proof case 50, instead of providing a board onwhich the optical sensor 18 is mounted.

[0111] In this case, too, it is preferable to provide light-proofmembers to ensure light-proofing against external light that is incidentfrom the lead hole 68 (the lead hole for the extraction of the leadwires 80 from the signal terminals 19 of the optical sensor 18).

[0112] More specifically, each of light-proof inner walls 66 and 67 isformed of a material that is highly light-proof, in such a manner as toprotrude towards opposite walls, as shown in FIG. 13. External lightthat passes through the lead hole 68 is prevented from being incident onthe optical sensor 18 and the lens 16 by disposing the light-proof innerwalls 66 and 67 in such a manner as to overlap as seen from thedirection of the lead hole 68.

[0113] If the method of FIG. 13 is used, it is possible to completelycover the optical sensor 18 and the lens 16 with the light-proof case50. However, from the point of view of the number of assembly steps andthe number of components, the method of FIG. 7 is more advantageous thanthat of FIG. 13. This is because the method of FIG. 13 necessitates theaddition of a step of soldering at the points indicated by J1 and J2,and it is also necessary to provide the lead wires 80. In contrastthereto, the method of FIG. 7 does not necessitate a soldering step andthe lead wires 80 are also unnecessary, enabling reductions in the costof the handgun-shaped controller.

[0114] Note that the present invention is not limited to theabove-described embodiments and thus various modifications thereto arepossible.

[0115] For example, the methods described with reference to FIGS. 7,12A, 12B, and 13 are particularly preferable as the method of coveringthe optical sensor and lens with a light-proof member (broadly speaking:light-proof case), but the present invention is not limited thereto andvarious modifications are possible.

[0116] In addition, it is particularly preferable that the method ofFIG. 2 is used as the method of detecting the position indicated by theposition indication device (broadly speaking: the handgun-shapedcontroller), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0117] It is particularly preferable that the present invention isapplied to the use of a handgun-shaped controller, but it can also beapplied to various other position indication devices such as gamecontrollers other than handgun- shaped controllers.

[0118] In addition to domestic game systems, the present invention canalso be applied to various other imaging systems such as large-scaleattractions in which many players can participate, simulators, andmultimedia terminals.

1. A position indication device for indicating a position within ascreen of a display device, the position indication device comprising:an indicator body that indicates a position within a screen of a displaydevice; a lens that is provided in the indicator body and focuses lightthat is incident from a position indicated by the indicator body througha light-incident aperture of the indicator body; an optical sensor thatis provided in the indicator body and detects light focused by the lens;and a light-proof member that is provided in the indicator body andcovers the lens and the optical sensor in such a manner that externallight other than light from the light-incident aperture is not incidenton the lens and the optical sensor.
 2. The position indication device asdefined by claim 1, wherein the light-proof member covers the opticalsensor in such a manner as to prevent the incidence of external light toall surfaces of the optical sensor, including a surface on which asignal terminal of the optical sensor is provided.
 3. The positionindication device as defined by claim 1, wherein the light-proof membercovers at least a board portion on which the optical sensor is mounted,of a board for mounting the optical sensor.
 4. The position indicationdevice as defined by claim 2, wherein the light-proof member covers atleast a board portion on which the optical sensor is mounted, of a boardfor mounting the optical sensor.
 5. The position indication device asdefined by claim 1, wherein: the light-proof member is configured of anassembly of a plurality of parts; and a cut-out portion is provided in aconnection portion between parts of the light-proof member, in order toform a through-hole for a signal terminal of the optical sensor.
 6. Theposition indication device as defined by claim 2, wherein: thelight-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts;and a cut-out portion is provided in a connection portion between partsof the light-proof member, in order to form a through-hole for thesignal terminal of the optical sensor.
 7. The position indication deviceas defined by claim 3, wherein: the light-proof member is configured ofan assembly of a plurality of parts; and a cut-out portion is providedin a connection portion between parts of the light-proof member, inorder to form a through-hole for a signal terminal of the opticalsensor.
 8. The position indication device as defined by claim 1,wherein: the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of aplurality of parts; and a protuberant portion is provided in aconnection portion of a first part of the plurality of parts, and also afit portion that fits with the protuberant portion is provided in aconnection portion of a second part of the plurality of parts.
 9. Theposition indication device as defined by claim 2, wherein: thelight-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts;and a protuberant portion is provided in a connection portion of a firstpart of the plurality of parts, and also a fit portion that fits withthe protuberant portion is provided in a connection portion of a secondpart of the plurality of parts.
 10. The position indication device asdefined by claim 3, wherein: the light-proof member is configured of anassembly of a plurality of parts; and a protuberant portion is providedin a connection portion of a first part of the plurality of parts, andalso a fit portion that fits with the protuberant portion is provided ina connection portion of a second part of the plurality of parts.
 11. Theposition indication device as defined by claim 5, wherein: thelight-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts;and a protuberant portion is provided in a connection portion of a firstpart of the plurality of parts, and also a fit portion that fits withthe protuberant portion is provided in a connection portion of a secondpart of the plurality of parts.
 12. The position indication device asdefined by claim 1, wherein: the light-proof member covers a boardportion on which the optical sensor is mounted, of a board for mountingthe optical sensor; and a second light-proof member is provided toprevent the incidence of the external light from a gap between the boardand a slit provided in the light-proof member for the insertion of theboard.
 13. The position indication device as defined by claim 2,wherein: the light-proof member covers a board portion on which theoptical sensor is mounted, of a board for mounting the optical sensor;and a second light-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence ofthe external light from a gap between the board and a slit provided inthe light-proof member for the insertion of the board.
 14. The positionindication device as defined by claim 3, wherein: the light-proof membercovers the board portion on which the optical sensor is mounted, of theboard for mounting the optical sensor; and a second light-proof memberis provided to prevent the incidence of the external light from a gapbetween the board and a slit provided in the light-proof member for theinsertion of the board.
 15. The position indication device as defined byclaim 5, wherein: the light-proof member covers a board portion on whichthe optical sensor is mounted, of a board for mounting the opticalsensor; and a second light-proof member is provided to prevent theincidence of the external light from a gap between the board and a slitprovided in the light-proof member for the insertion of the board. 16.The position indication device as defined by claim 8, wherein: thelight-proof member covers a board portion on which the optical sensor ismounted, of a board for mounting the optical sensor; and a secondlight-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence of the externallight from a gap between the board and a slit provided in thelight-proof member for the insertion of the board.
 17. The positionindication device as defined by claim 12, wherein: the light-proofmember is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts; and thesecond light-proof member is a protuberant portion that is deformed bythe insertion of the board into the slit provided in each part of thelight-proof member and seals the gap between the slit and the board. 18.The position indication device as defined by claim 13, wherein: thelight-proof member is configured of an assembly of a plurality of parts;and the second light-proof member is a protuberant portion that isdeformed by the insertion of the board into the slit provided in eachpart of the light-proof member and seals the gap between the slit andthe board.
 19. The position indication device as defined by claim 14,wherein: the light-proof member is configured of an assembly of aplurality of parts; and the second light-proof member is a protuberantportion that is deformed by the insertion of the board into the slitprovided in each part of the light-proof member and seals the gapbetween the slit and the board.
 20. The position indication device asdefined by claim 15, wherein: the light-proof member is configured of anassembly of a plurality of parts; and the second light-proof member is aprotuberant portion that is deformed by the insertion of the board intothe slit provided in each part of the light-proof member and seals thegap between the slit and the board.
 21. The position indication deviceas defined by claim 16, wherein: the light-proof member is configured ofan assembly of a plurality of parts; and the second light-proof memberis a protuberant portion that is deformed by the insertion of the boardinto the slit provided in each part of the light-proof member and sealsthe gap between the slit and the board.
 22. The position indicationdevice as defined by claim 1, wherein: the light-proof member covers theentirety of a board on which the optical sensor is mounted; and a secondlight-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence of externallight from a gap between a lead wire from the board and a lead holeprovided in the light-proof member for the extraction of the lead wire.23. The position indication device as defined by claim 1, wherein: theoptical sensor is installed directly within the light-proof member; anda second light-proof member is provided to prevent the incidence ofexternal light from a gap between a lead wire from a signal terminal ofthe optical sensor and a lead hole provided in the light-proof memberfor the extraction of the lead wire.
 24. A computer-usable informationstorage medium used in a game system that comprises: the positionindication device as defined by any one of claims 1 to 23; gameprocessing means that receives information from the position indicationdevice and performs game processing based on the detected indicatedposition; and image generation means that generates a game image inaccordance with the game processing performed by the game processingmeans, wherein the information storage medium comprises a program forimplementing the above means on a computer.